In this day and age, engineering graduates need to be able to build on the platform they receive through their degrees.

Being an engineer is much more than just the skills you learn at university, it's about being a positive influence on the profession and also the economy.

Chairman and National President of Engineers Australia, John McIntosh FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER IntPE APEC Engineer, believes that the lessons graduates can learn are vital not only to themselves, but also their companies and the industry as a whole.

"Today's engineering graduates are entering the industry at a time of complexity. More than ever, graduates need to develop the required professional and commercial skills for the engineering sector."

These graduates are entering the workforce at a time which is much different to how it ever has been before.

Due to this, it is vital that they are up to date and able to assist in building a stronger, more sustainable future.

As they come out of university, graduates need to be given an opportunity to enhance skills such as self-management, leadership, communication and teamwork.

These qualities along with the technical skills learned in their courses will allow them to positively influence the engineering world to a greater, more sustainable level.

Engineers Australia's Graduate Program provides a solid pathway for engineers to go from university graduate to all-round leader.

The Program provides young engineers with a range of skills and different experiences to better prepare them for the immediate and long term future.

John McIntosh says of the program, "it drives graduates to perform more efficiently, advancing business results through commercial thinking."

"Graduates will integrate more effectively into the workplace through accelerated performance."